I followed this link thinking I would get some useful tips for cooking a smaller dinner, but it was
not informational at all: 1) you don't have to cook a whole turkey. 2) Make a plan for your leftovers. 3) Cut down on the number of sides. 4) Keep things simple. 5) Consider pre-made foods. Not in my kitchen. 6) Celebrate with brunch or breakfast instead. I am really tired of these tacky hacky articles that don't tell you anything useful.
If I were writing tips for my sons, I'd tell them 1) go ahead and cook a whole turkey. A 10-pound turkey isn't that big. 2) Leftovers are for eating! And turkey enchiladas. 3) You don't like sweet potatoes anyway so don't worry. 4) I don't see them fretting about centerpieces and table settings, so we've got that one covered. 5) They really don't like pre-made mashed potatoes and they know how to make their own. Cranberry sauce and stuffing? Use the recipes on the packages. 6) But...they can have brunch or breakfast any time they want. Thanksgiving dinner comes once.
I've never brined a turkey...I don't have anything big enough to put it in. But look what I saw in the market! I didn't buy it because it was too big. I got a nice little fresh turkey, so I don't have to worry about thawing it. I'm all set.
Yum!!!!
ReplyDeletePerfect! I think your small, fresh turkey and planned sides will be perfect. What time should I arrive? WHAT? ;-)
ReplyDeleteSmall. Good idea!
ReplyDeleteYou are so right about various "articles" --totally useless, most of them. We're having a small Thanksgiving too --I bought a 10 lb turkey. I love to freeze some of the leftover meat and use it a month later in a crockpot soup.
ReplyDeleteThere will be just four of us here, so Thanksgiving dinner will be pretty small. There are some years when many of my large family gets together; we all like to cook and appreciate delicious food. My youngest daughter, who lives with me, loves turkey (meh…) so we're brining and roasting a small one. We make excellent mashed potatoes and gravy, so those are a must, also green beans (her selection), butternut squash (mine), homemade rolls, prosecco, and pear cider. And for dessert, pumpkin cheesecake and coffee. My 92 year old mother and Lillian's boyfriend round out the table. I don't feel very festive this year, but Lillian enjoys it, so why not?
ReplyDeleteVegan stuffed shells Here :)
ReplyDeleteI made a turkey once 20 years ago and have been completely happy ever since to let my mother be in charge of turkey every year.
ReplyDeleteThere are just 2 of us this year (we are going to the neighbor's house for dessert) but I bought a 14 pound turkey because LEFTOVER turkey is the best! I almost refuse to go anywhere else for this particular holiday because I want, need those leftovers. Pozole will be happening on Sunday. Enchiladas are a great idea too!
ReplyDeleteI love pozole!
DeleteOh, I did see a useful thing on the kitchn website about brining the turkey in the bottom crisper drawer of your refrigerator. Of course you use a brining bag too but I thought it was a great idea. Then I realized that my crisper drawers are stuffed full of vegetables so that idea went out the window for this year. I miss living up north where you could put your turkey or leftovers out in the cold garage on on the front porch. :)
ReplyDeleteI saw that too but as you said, where would I put the vegetables?
DeleteThis is where it is very handy to have relatives. My husband's BIL takes care of the turkey and brings it to our house. :)
ReplyDeleteEven when we have had a smaller number of people or a really small oven (Germany), we make Thanksgiving dinner special. LOVE those leftovers!
For years I have brined my turkey in a cooler. This year, as for the last 3 years, we fried one as my SIL loves to do that & I don't really care about the turkey. My oldest son was devastated to not have my brined turkey--who knew he cared so much? It will be back to brining for me next time he is here.
ReplyDelete